A Pawn's Passage

After arriving in Jade Capital, Zhang Yuelu did not rush home but first went to Tiangang Hall, intending to meet her master, Sage Cihang. After all, it had been nearly half a year since they last saw each other. The master-and-disciple pair were as close as mother and daughter.

However, upon reaching Tiangang Hall, Zhang Yuelu learned that Sage Cihang was not there but had gone to Purple Mansion, with no clear indication of when she would return. Left with no other choice, she decided to stop by Yaoguang Division along the way.

Coincidentally, Mu Jin was on duty today. Seeing Zhang Yuelu return, she was overjoyed.

Their relationship was rather interesting—not only that of superior and subordinate but also somewhat like close confidantes. In private, they interacted quite casually.

As Zhang Yuelu entered her office, she casually asked, “Didn’t I approve your leave? Why are you still on duty?”

Following behind, Mu Jin grinned and replied, “I came in for duty precisely because of the leave. The extra pay is triple the usual, and besides, there’s not much to do, so I can take care of other things in the meantime.”

“You’re always good at calculating things like that.” Zhang Yuelu clicked her tongue. “By the way, where’s Xu Kou? Isn’t he supposed to be on duty?”

Since Xu Kou had gone home to visit his family, he had happened to miss the major case in Jinling Prefecture. So, during this period when others were taking a break, he was assigned to be on duty. A Superintendent had to be stationed at Yaoguang Division at all times to ensure someone could independently handle any urgent matters if needed.

Mu Jin voluntarily giving up her leave to earn triple the usual pay was her choice, but that did not mean Xu Kou could take a break.

“He heard that the Confucians and Buddhists were arriving in Jade Capital today, so he went to check out the commotion,” Mu Jin answered.

“Why didn’t you go? I heard they’re bringing along the so-called ‘most handsome man in the world,’” Zhang Yuelu remarked.

Mu Jin pursed her lips. “That must be a gimmick. If he’s the most handsome man in the world, then I must be the most beautiful woman in the world!”

Zhang Yuelu inquired, “By the way, what’s his name? I don’t recall hearing about him.”

Always well-informed, Mu Jin replied, “His name is Qin Lingge. They say that he’s not only good-looking but also an unparalleled genius.”

In Jade Capital, there was never a shortage of so-called geniuses, so Zhang Yuelu did not take it too seriously. She merely asked, “What exactly makes him an unparalleled genius? How does he compare to the Taiping Sect’s Li Changge or the Quanzhen Sect’s Yao Pei?”

Mu Jin teased, “Well, a mere commoner like me can’t judge how exactly he’s an unparalleled genius. But I heard that the Qingping Society released a Ruyi Leaderboard, placing Li Changge first, Yao Pei second, and Qin Lingge third. You’re ranked fifth, my dearest Deputy Hall Master Zhang.”

Zhang Yuelu waved her hand dismissively. “I’ve never considered myself an unparalleled genius. Even if they placed me at 50th, I wouldn’t mind in the slightest.”

Mu Jin continued, “That said, the Ruyi Leaderboard is similar to the Junior Xuan Leaderboard back then. There’s an age limit, primarily including Xiantian Beings under 30. The Ruyi Leaderboard has 365 individuals, most of whom are in the Guizhen stage. There are only a handful of exceptionally talented Yuxu-stage practitioners.

“Now that you’re a Heavenly Being, you’ve been removed from the list, along with Li Changge and Yao Pei. This makes Qin Lingge the undisputed number one on the Ruyi Leaderboard. Also, guess what? Tian Yuan actually made it onto the list. He’s ranked tenth!”

Mu Jin clicked her tongue and continued, “Pft! That man sure has changed greatly after just a few months apart. We entered Tiangang Hall together, yet now he’s a fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master receiving training at the Upper Palace of the Wanxiang Daoist Palace. He’s a rising star. Meanwhile, we’re still stuck here, just drifting along and living out our days.”

“Jealous?” Zhang Yuelu chuckled. “That was earned at the risk of his life. If you had followed me to Yishan City, you’d probably be resting eternally in the Requiem Division by now.”

Mu Jin snorted but did not argue. “Weren’t we talking about Qin Lingge? How did this turn into a discussion about me?”

Zhang Yuelu smiled. “Alright, go on about this royal descendant.”

“Qin Lingge is a member of the royal family and holds the title of Imperial Prince, though it’s entirely ceremonial with no real power. Since he lost his parents at a young age, the Emperor brought him into the palace and raised him alongside the other princes.

“As you know, the royal family has always revered Daoism. Every past emperor of the Great Xuan Dynasty has held the title of Great Sage, standing alongside the Grand Master. The royal family worships the Primordial Daoist Ancestor and only studies Confucian classics as a supplement.

“But Qin Lingge was deeply fascinated by Confucianism and refused to learn Daoism, even going so far as to renounce his title as Imperial Prince in order to become a disciple of a Confucian Great Master. It was this decision that made him famous, and many Confucian scholars recognized him as a once-in-a-century literary prodigy.

“After joining the Confucian School, he was recognized by one of their immortal objects and became the master of an entire paradise. He has interacted with all three Confucian Grand Libationers, each of whom has passed down their knowledge to him. Despite his young age, he holds considerable prestige within the Confucian School, poised to become the youngest Confucian Great Master.” Mu Jin spoke with apparent disdain, but she recited his story fluently.

Zhang Yuelu mused, “A powerless Imperial Prince is just a figurehead, restricted on all sides. But by renouncing his title, he exchanged it for a chance to make his mark in the Confucian School. It’s a classic strategy of retreating to advance. If he successfully becomes a Confucian Great Master, he will wield far more influence than a powerless Imperial Prince, even though he still won’t match our Daoist Great Sages. But if he fails, he loses everything, including his title and status. It’s a risky move, but Qin Lingge likely calculated his odds carefully before making this decision.”

Mu Jin was momentarily stunned before sighing in awe. “No wonder you’re a Deputy Hall Master. You’re always thinking a step ahead of the rest of us!”

Zhang Yuelu asked, “In that case, he certainly has courage. But where did the title of ‘most handsome man in the world’ come from?”

When men gathered, they inevitably discussed women. Likewise, women also talked about men, with conversations falling into two categories—discussing their own men or other men. This situation belonged to the latter.

Zhang Yuelu had no romantic interest in Qin Lingge, but she was curious about the hype surrounding the “most handsome man” title.

Mu Jin said, “First, I have to clarify that I’ve never seen him in person, so these are merely rumors. Apparently, this Young Master Qin is incredibly handsome, with a scholarly charm. Not only do many women swoon over him, but even some men pine after him.

“Personally, I’m not convinced. What’s so great about a Confucian scholar? But at least he has shown his face in public, unlike the elusive Li Changge, who is always heard of but never seen. No matter how much people claim he looks like a god, it’s hard to convince anyone without proof, right?”

The conservative Zhang Yuelu merely commented indifferently, “Well, regardless of gender, gaining fame through beauty alone is no different from entertainers. The Li family claims to be the descendants of the Primordial Daoist Order, so they will never stoop to such means.”

Mu Jin shook her head helplessly. “Qing Xiao, you really know how to kill the mood. Other women hear about this and dream about how handsome he must be, maybe even fantasizing about a romance with him. But you immediately compare him to an entertainer. Are you sure you’re even a woman? Or are you secretly a man in disguise?”

“Get lost! You’re the one in disguise!” Zhang Yuelu scolded with a laugh.

Mu Jin teased, “Then you must be jealous that you haven’t made a name for yourself through your looks like these great beauties.”

Zhang Yuelu chuckled and nodded. “Yes, I’m so jealous. How unfortunate that I lack devastating beauty!”

To be fair, Zhang Yuelu was certainly a beauty, though not an unparalleled one. She could hardly claim the title of “most beautiful in the world.”

But beauty was in the eye of the beholder. To Qi Xuansu, Zhang Yuelu was undoubtedly the most stunning. Next was Madam Qi, then Sage Cihang, and finally Li Qingnu, Xie Jin, and Yao Pei. His preferences were clearly influenced by his closeness to these women.

As for why Madam Qi ranked slightly below Zhang Yuelu, it had absolutely nothing to do with him forgetting his mother after getting a wife. Rather, it was simply that Madam Qi was a bit older. She was not old per se, But that kind of charm from a mature beauty could not quite match youthful appeal.

Mu Jin suddenly changed the subject. “Oh, by the way, Young Master Qin has an extraordinary romance. You’ll never guess who the woman is.”

“Who?” Zhang Yuelu asked directly.

Mu Jin lowered her voice slightly. “She’s a Confucian Master, just one step away from becoming a Great Master. People say Tian Yuan is a kept man, but if you ask me, this guy is the real kept man living off a woman.”

In the Confucian School, a Great Master was equivalent to a Daoist Great Sage, while a Master corresponded to a Daoist Sage. Zhang Yuelu had just advanced to the third rank, still a step away from a second-rank Taiyi Daoist master. In that sense, she was indeed inferior to this Confucian Master.

However, times have changed. The Confucian School was no longer the formidable force that once stood as the Daoist Order’s equal. It had become somewhat of a vassal of the Daoist Order. So when it came to actual influence, comparisons were not so straightforward.

Zhang Yuelu inquired, “How old is this female Great Master?”

Mu Jin thought for a moment before replying, “Definitely older than you. Probably in her thirties? Maybe even in her forties? But certainly not yet fifty.”

“How old is Qin Lingge?”

“He should be about the same age as Tian Yuan, or at most one or two years older,” Mu Jin answered.

Zhang Yuelu chuckled. “An old cow eating tender grass, huh?”

Mu Jin said, “Don’t laugh! This is a blessing. Why is it acceptable for an 18-year-old bride to marry an 80-year-old groom, but not for an 80-year-old bride to take an 18-year-old groom?”

“Well, I’m certainly not interested in that kind of romance. I’m heading home. You can stay here and mind your duties.” Zhang Yuelu had no intention of continuing the nonsensical conversation with Mu Jin.

Just then, someone knocked on the door from outside. “Is Senior Sister Zhang here?”

Mu Jin got up and opened the door. A young girl, looking only about 15 or 16, walked in.

Zhang Yuelu recognized her. It was her master’s last disciple, making this girl her junior sister.

“Junior Sister Xiao, what’s the matter?” Zhang Yuelu asked.

The young girl was very respectful toward her renowned Senior Sister Zhang. “Master has returned and asked that you go over.”